So you’re ready to build your own AR-15 upper but aren’t sure of the upper receiver?
We’ve got you covered with our personal go-to mil-spec receiver and a few unique options that will turn heads.
If you haven’t read our AR-15 Guide, which goes over all the components of an AR, I’d suggest starting there first.
Now let’s dive into what you need to know and our top picks for the best AR-15 stripped uppers!
Summary of Our Top Picks
Mil-Spec GoodnessAero Precision Stripped Upper Receiver
Your bread and butter stripped upper. Hard to beat for the price and quality you get.
Editor's ChoiceAero Precision M4E1 Stripped Upper Receiver
The angled cuts on this receiver set it apart from your standard AR-15 upper without costing an arm and a leg.
Best Budget OptionAero Precision M4E1 Stripped Upper BLEM
Blemished uppers from Aero are great for those looking to pinch pennies and save a few dollars without sacrificing quality.
Most DurableThicker receiver walls means this upper will last longer and potential have better accuracy.
Lightest Weight UpperBattle Arms Development Lightweight Upper
At only 6.3 ounces, this upper is the lighest option on our list.
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Upper Receiver Forge Marks
You might have heard about forge marks, which are above the forward assist. These marks designate which metal forging company created the upper blank. The end company (such as Aero Precision) is the one that actually machines the upper into its final state.
Ultimately, the forge mark itself is relatively inconsequential since the quality really comes from the company that machines the blanks.
Best AR-15 Stripped Receivers
1. Aero Precision Stripped Upper Receiver
At $80, the Aero AR15 Stripped Upper Receiver is the gold standard in my mind. This option lets you choose your own forward assist and dust cover. It comes with M4 feed ramps, laser engraved T-marks for the rails, and is also available in several colors for a little bit more.
I’ve built almost a dozen AR-15 uppers for myself and my friends and have almost exclusively gone with Aero Precision. They got their start manufacturing for the aerospace industry (name checks out) before moving into AR-15 parts.
Aero has become a titan in the industry, offering complete rifles and even barrels too.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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I’ve had no problems with any of my builds, and if you do any searches, you’ll see that Aero parts have almost exclusively positive comments.
2. Aero Precision M4E1 Stripped Upper Receiver
The Aero M4E1 is an upgraded version of the mil-spec stripped upper that gives a billet look without the doubling in price. It is my personal favorite for my builds and is what lives on my home defense gun.
Check out our full review of the M4E1.
Remember to finish out your stripped upper with an upper parts kit, or simply look at assembled uppers which are basically the same price but with the upper parts already installed.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Assembled uppers are great if you want to save yourself a little bit of time and potential stress — no need to scrape anything during installation or go nuts trying to get the dust cover on.
3. Blemished Aero Uppers
If you’re balling on a budget, you can get a “blemished” version of the stripped or assembled upper (depending on their stock) for roughly 25% off. Blemished means there are some cosmetic abnormalities that do not affect actual function.
The last two builds I’ve done have been with Aero blem uppers, and I had to really look to find the cosmetic problem. And, of course, they’ve all worked perfectly.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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My latest one has a tiny scuff and a small dimple, as shown below. I honestly put more wear on mine during a match! I’d go this route if you want to save a couple of bucks.
The only bad thing is that blems are usually snatched up as soon as they become available.
4. Aero Precision No Forward Assist Upper
If you have never used the forward assist and want to shave some weight off or keep it simple, you might consider the no forward assist upper from Aero.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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In my opinion, I like the look of the forward assist, and I go by the mantra that I’d rather have it and not use it than need it and not have it — especially on a more duty rifle build.
5. VLTOR MUR Upper Receiver
The VLTOR MUR Upper Receiver has thicker walls to make it a more rigid shooting platform which should translate to more accuracy and durability. Plus, it looks different and cool enough to get some envious looks.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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What do you think of the VLTOR? Rate it below!
6. Battle Arms Development Lightweight Upper
If you want to go lightweight but not at the expense of extreme lightening cuts and possible reduced reliability, then the Battle Arms Development Lightweight Upper might be a great choice.
Coming in at about 6.3 ounces, this upper is nearly half the weight of a standard Aero M4E1 upper (12.3 ounces).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Plus, the Tron-esque design is sure to catch a few looks at the range.
7. F1 Firearms UDR-15-3G Upper Receiver
The F1 UDR-15-3G is another super lightweight option, clocking in at 6.5 ounces.
Although this one is geared towards turning heads at rifle competitions more so than home defense. If you’re in a dusty environment, I’d keep it covered — but otherwise, most reports say that the large cuts don’t affect function even with tons of rounds downrange.
However, I have to knock off one point for the inability to use a Magpul BAD lever with this upper.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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8. Bootleg Inc Upper Receiver
One of my latest builds uses a Bootleg Upper Receiver with their PicLOK handguard. These come with a low-profile brass deflector, no-forward assist, and captured dust cover pin that eliminates the need for an e-clip.
All that nets you an upper receiver that comes in at a scant 7.2 ounces.
This upper makes for cool and slick build, especially when paired with their adjustable gas BCG (no more switching out your gas block).
If you want something different yet functional, you can’t go wrong with the offerings from Bootleg.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve seen our suggestions for the best AR-15 upper receivers, you’re one step closer to your build.
Let us know in the comments below if there is an upper you like that isn’t on the list. And if you’re ready to build, here’s our AR-15 upper assembly visual guide.
20 Leave a Reply
VLTOR MUR has compatibility issues with some lowers, like the LMT MARS-L, so be aware.
Does the Aero M4E1 enhanced upper have to be used with an Aero hand guard? I’m building and don’t think I want to paint myself onto a corner if I want to change later.
Thanks!
No, I have used numerous brands with the M4E1 builds. Note that some rails that may have anti-rotation tabs may have to be slightly alters, but usually it will not affect performance if everything is torqued correctly. (Also usually doesn't affect appearance either if trimmed properly as they will sit flush.)
The Firearms industry lacks Imagination, all the AR platforms still look the same as from 60 years ago with very little variations from the originals. with the evolution of polymers & 3D printing and computerised CNC machines. I figured we would e seeing stuff more like the M41A Pulse Rifle from the movie Alien, or at least something more futuristic anyway. Do not get me Wrong I love the AR- Platform and will hopefully have at least one AR till my dying days. I would just like to have the chance to have something of the AR platform more modernised such as the upper and lower receiver just to change the overall look from that tired 60 year old styling isn't it about time the AR platform gets an aesthetic face lift. before some other firearm platform replaces it all together, It has already started, look at the SIG MCX SPEAR XM5 it is already headed in that direction. this rebuttal was just my opinion and not meant to offend anybody I apologise if I did. God Bless and as always LET's Go Brandon and long Live the MAGA KING
Check out SLR Rifleworks upper and lower receivers.
Going to modify my S&W M&P 15 Sport from its stock 16" barrel/carbine-length-gas-tube configuration to an 18" barrel with a rifle-length-gas tube configuration. This seems like a good opportunity to transform the gun into a Wilde-chambered unit. Besides a Wilde-configured barrel, what other Wilde-configured parts (if any) will be needed? I can't tell from PewPew's write-ups whether the upper receiver and/or any other components would need to be replaced. Following the "do it right or do it twice" rubric, I want to marshal all of the parts prior to doing this mod.
All you'll need is a barrel. Your upper receiver will never need to be changed while changing cartridges. The most you will ever need to change is your bolt, barrel, and magazine. A lot of guys will by whole new upper assemblies because it is easier to switch calibers on the go that way. Hope this helps!
Possibly a new gas tube depending on gas system. Mid vs Rifle (VS all others in between, lol)
Howdy, Is that Bootleg upper O.D. green ?
I’m looking at using the bootleg upper but reading people say it’s not compatible with their handguards. Can you confirm if it’ll fit with an aero or more generic handguards?
Hi Michael, I got it as a set so I didn't have the chance to try it with others. I'd ask Bootleg or check online to see what other ones are compatible.
I like how the first 4 are Aero. Not that I think that is a bad thing.
Is the mil spec aero, the numer one of the list, different than the m4e1 aero or the m5e1 where the gas tube goes? I want to do a build with an inconel tube and vseven says their tubes are no go on m4e1 uppers on their site. I dont have both to compare.
Yess how r u doing . im having trouble with my ar15 which jamming up in the recycling port for anothe bullet to cycle i was wondering if i can use a different BCG . MY barrel is capable of caliber 223 556. An wondering how can start building my own ar15 to Georgia regulations
Any serious builder should be using BCM stripped uppers exclusively. Mainly for the under cut barrel port. It makes the tightest fit in the industry.
Hi Ludas, thanks for your comment! BCM does make some pretty good stuff and I'm looking forward to trying a build with them one day. But so far my aeros have held up with good results.
Also worth a look: black rain ordnance. I've yet to build one yet, but did recently get my first ar15 (forged) stripped lower and milled ar10 upper/lower that fits *perfectly* together.
I may get a couple more in the near future... Silly CA laws coming December 1, but that's another topic.
I love your site btw! Just found it last night.
Thanks for reading and for the rec! I've heard of them but haven't had a chance to try them out yet.
Hey can someone confirm for me if there are any restrictions on the type of Complete Upper Receiver used on a CA "Featureless" AR build? Specifically I am curious about purchasing a Colt LE6920 Upper but it falls on the Calguns flowchart under Appendix A/B of banned weapons. Does this count for a build as well?? Thanks!
Hi, in short it should be legal since the lower is the part that is regulated. As long as your barrel is the right length and you meet the other featureless criteria when assembled (no flash hider, etc), it should be good to go. Check out the featureless rifle article for more details.